Afraid to go on a walk

Hey, I have a STBx who hates to go walkies.

I've had dogs in the past, mainly Rottweilers and I've never had this issue, so Im finding curing it to be a problem.
Her peeve is cars, moving ones. On her first ever walk (Back when she had her 2nd injection) she was lying down occasionally. At first, I put this down to tiredness, being that her only ventures outdoors where bundled in my arms.
But after a while I noticed she was only lying down when a car was oncoming. So, with the next walks I made sure I went armed with treats to keep her at heel. This didn't work. Ive tried baby talk, reassurence, distraction, nothing works! It has gotten to the point where she's afraid to leave the drive! She can do perfect heelwork (Indoors!!) but everything goes to pot once we get on the road. She digs her heels in going and runs for her life on the way back.

It's becoming frustrating as she's a puppy with ever growing energy, who is now venting her unspent energy on being destructive and boisterous. Help would be gladly appreciated!!!

Hi &

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Have to say once I had got past the initial scared puppy stage with Tilly it was plain sailing and Tommy was even easier following big Sis everyhwere, I can only sufggest you just stick with what you are doing now, maybe teaching some sit and stay work by the side of the road to try and get conditioned to the noise may help

can you find some time to come here and introduce yourself

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

Hi and welcome to the forum from Rocky and me.

Sorry to hear you are having problems with walkies. Have you tried the watch command while out with her, just keep saying WATCH and get her to look at you.

Staffies are very good at feeling your frustration and tension down the lead. How old is she? Welcome to the forum Xx

welcome

How old/heavy is she ? I took Taz out in a rucksack when I 1st had her, and sat her in the front yard behind the gate to get her used to the traffic - as I live on a main road - 1st walk no problems @ all.

Hey guys, thank you all for your very quick responses! I wasn't expecting anything back tonight !

I've just posted on the introductions page so you can see what my crazy pup looks like https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t24845-hello-from-me-and-a-chewed-shoe-from-narla

She knows the watch command, yes. And All is dandy so long as I do that (unless a big articulated lorry drives past), but it is just that. The second I break from her the heels dig in. I do feel for her, it must be quite scary, but Im struggling to find a way to convay to her that they mean her no harm. Ive even sat for a good hour at the local bus stop looking like a crazy lady doing tricks with her to get her used to the sound of cars! She was fine, until the next time I took her out for walks!

the bus stop Sounds good - patience & consistency is the key with young pups

Taz wrote:the bus stop Sounds good - patience & consistency is the key with young pups

agreed , plus think of the fun you're putting into the lives of the spectators looking at the mad lady

Dave wrote:

Taz wrote:the bus stop Sounds good - patience & consistency is the key with young pups

agreed , plus think of the fun you're putting into the lives of the spectators looking at the mad lady

The watch command is good. Suki was the same way as a pup and even worse with trains. Just be patient, don't force her and let her discover the world at her own pace. If there is a nearby spot w/o traffic that would be a plus.

I found the best thing was to just push through it with mine. She absolutely HATED cars. She was brave when she was barking at them through the window (that had to be stopped pretty fast as there's always cars going past my house) but as soon as we hit the road she would cower and drag her heels. Obviously make sure it's a harness and not a lead you're walking her on as harnesses give YOU much more control and you can pretty much get them past anything with a little raise of the arm to elevate the front a little. My girl soon realized that she was going to HAVE to walk past them with my help and within a few days was completely fine with them.

Sounds like you're doing the right things, keep doing what you're doing. It probably just takes time. Some dogs take longer than others to get used to new things. I will say though, I wouldn't baby talk to her while she's scared; to us it's a comforting gesture, but to dogs you're praising them for their fear, if that makes sense. So as difficult as it is, try to remain calm and kind but not over-the-top and that, along with everything you're doing, should help her get over it in her own time.